View noticesTrump urges Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian fuel sites
US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop attacks on Russian refineries and fuel infrastructure, arguing that the strikes are contributing to higher diesel prices.
Trump said attacks on Russian fuel facilities were making it harder for diesel to reach global markets. He later said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop targeting each other's energy facilities, although subsequent comments indicated that the proposal was not yet a firm agreement.
The issue comes as global fuel markets face additional disruption linked to the conflict involving Iran and restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy analyst Andy Lipow has estimated that Russian export restrictions following Ukrainian attacks have removed about 800,000 barrels a day of diesel from the market, while disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has affected about 1.2 million barrels a day, according to CNN.
Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine could support a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure if Russia also refrains from striking Ukrainian infrastructure.
The debate comes against the wider backdrop of continuing Russian attacks on Ukraine and efforts by the Trump administration to pursue a settlement of the war.
The proposed energy truce therefore remains subject to agreement on its terms and implementation.